September sees the start of Istria’s seven-week truffle season, the perfect excuse for truffle-filled events, local festivals and truffle-laden menus in restaurants. Top spot for truffle hunters is the area around Pazin, Buje and Buzet and particularly in the valley of the river Mirna and in the Motovun forest where the fabulous white truffle is harvested.

Festivities kick off on 12 September 2015 with the production of a giant truffle omelette comprising 2015 eggs and 10kg of truffles in Buzet, but the majority of local truffle days take place in October and early November. At Tuberfest, a two-day weekend event in Livade, you can watch a truffle search demonstration, celebrity cook-offs and even bid for a truffle at the auction.